Advice from previous students to current students
-
Answers to: If you could start AP Computer Science A over again, what advice would you give yourself?
- If you don't know programming (or didn't learn it very well), let Mr. M know...he CAN help you catch up but only if you ask.
- When copying code from TextPad or BlueJ to MS Word, always set the font to "Courier New" BEFORE pasting your code into an MS Word document.
- DON'T : procrastinate...it leads to stress, stealing of code, and lack of understanding...what seems simple is NOT.
- DON'T : be shy about asking questions. Mr. M might be a bit goofy but he knows what he is talking about.
- DO : get name & number of classmate.
- DO : use stackoverflow website...tons of tips and tricks.
- Confusing Topics : memory maps, inheritance, pointers.
- Watch out for "Bad Boss" assignment...you have to learn to ask good questions.
-
Answers to: What was your favorite part of the course?
-
Mr. M's sense of humor (or lack of humor).
-
-
Answers to: What was the hardest/least favorite part of the course?
-
Avoiding too much "help" from fellow students...it is very tempting to just "get the answers" from other without actually learning the material through my own efforts.
-
Mr. M's "bad professor" assignment.
-
Week |
Dates & Progression |
Assignment / Assessment |
Syllabus & Content Topics |
114-18Aug
14-15Aug : Teacher Institutes
16Aug, Wed: 1/2 day Teacher Institute |
Optional : Competitions & Practice
[Note: Bold are Summative Assessments and can be found in Schoology and/or AP Classroom] |
Optional Summer Assignment (not required) - download [or access on G: drive] Eclipse IDE and Exemplar Labs (3)
Introduction to Course & AP Exam - Rules & Policies
Introduction of Exemplar Labs [on Schoology]
|
Review of Object Oriented Programming (OOP) & using Java as a computer language
Eclipse IDE (see Resources)
Optional : Summer Assignment is to become familiar with Exemplar Labs and Eclipse
|
221-25Aug |
Quiz : 1st Day/Week [verify AP Classroom access]
Lab : Program 1 due: [verify Eclipse + printer + any working program + comments on student laptop and Schoology] |
Quiz : 1st Day/Week [verify AP Classroom access] (formerly summer assignment)
JavaDoc & IDE usage
Lab Assignment : Program 2 : Phase 1 - Point and curve classes introducing arrays of Points |
Content : Java Syntax [also on Schoology]
Computing in Context
|
328Aug-1Sep |
Lab : Program 2 : Phase 1 (Point class only) due : |
|
Content : Java Syntax [also on Schoology]
|
44Sep : Labor Day
4-8Sep |
Lab : Program 2 Phase 1 (array Curve classes) due :
Test 1 : Part 1 : Test 1 : Part 2 : |
Economics Project
Test 1: Day/Part 1 (Syntax) [MC on Schoology, in-class, 60min, 95 pts] Test 1 : Day/Part 2 (Syntax) [FR question on Schoology but turn in printed or hand-written solution in-class, 60min, 50pts] |
Project: Economics and the Supply and Demand Curve
Object Oriented Program Design & Program Implementation
|
511-15Sep |
Lab : Program 2 : Phase 1 (ArrayList Curve classes) due : |
Lab Assignment ; Program 3 : Phase 2 - Abstract Curves, ArrayLists, and Sorting |
Content : Java Syntax [also on Schoology]
|
618-22Sep |
Lab : Program 3 : Phase 2 due: |
Economics Project Implementation: class hierarchy and interaction ("has-a" & "is-a")
|
Content : Java Syntax : Schoology
|
725-29Sep |
Lab : Program 4a (Market test with Consumer or Producer) due: (before class begins)
Test 2 : Day 1 : Test 2 : Day 2 : |
AbstractCurve Class
Test 2 : Day/Part 1 : Syntax, [MC on Schoology, in-class, 60min, 65pts] Test 2 : Day/Part 2 : Syntax, [FR question on Schoology but turn in printed or hand-written solution in-class, 60min, 40pts] |
Content : Java Syntax [also on Schoology]
|
82-6Oct |
Lab : Program 4b (Market test with Producer or Consumer )due: |
Lab Assignment : Program 4 : Phase 3 - Consumer & Producer ("has a" versus "is a") |
Introduction to Model - View - Controller (MVC) Pattern with Input/Output Introduction to Java Library Methods and Foundation Classes (JFC) - reusibility |
99-13Oct
9Oct : Columbus Day
13Oct : 1/2 day Teacher Institute |
Lab : Program 5 : String & array minipulation due :
Lab : Program 5 : Phase 4 (full Market with Producer & Consumer) due (if sufficient time): |
Lab Assignment : Program 5 : String & array manipulation [See Example & assignment from Lecture Notes for 1st quarter--pages 26-32]
Option : GridWorld - Ch 2 Bug Variations Lab Assignment : Program 5 : Phase 4 - Market (if sufficient time)
Option : Lab Assignment : Program 6 : Phase 5 - View of Curves (if sufficient time)
|
Content : Java Syntax [also on Schoology]
Option : MVC Pattern for Consumer & Producer Curves
Optional : GridWorld Ch2 - Extending the Bug Class & making a runner application |
Week |
Dates & Progression |
Assignment / Assessment |
Syllabus & Topics |
1016-20Oct |
Example: Console & File I/O [last tab]
Lab Assignment : Program 6 : divisibility
Lab Assignment : Program 7: Intro to Analysis - Linear & Binary Search, GCF, LCM (Handout) |
Content : Java Syntax [also on Schoology]
Program Analysis of Algorithms - Big-Oh (1,logN, N, NlogN, N^2,etc) |
|
1123-27Oct |
Lab : Program 6 : divisibility due: |
Worksheet - Modelling & Coding Lab Assignment : Program 8 : Swap, parameters, & poorly worded Specifications |
Content : Standard Algorithms - basic
Modeling and Code Evaluation |
1230Oct-3Nov
31Oct, Mon: 8am-3:30pm Parent-Teacher Conference 1Nov, Tue: 1pm-7:30pm Parent-Teacher Conferences |
Lab Program 7 : Intro to Analysis due: |
Lab Assignment : Program 9 : Sorting: O(n^2) with InsertionSort, SelectionSort, BubbleSort |
Content : Standard Algorithms - Searching
Content : Standard Algorithms - Divisibility (modulus)
|
136-10Nov
8Nov : Election Day 10Nov : Veteran's Day |
Option : Quantum Computing via Paired Gaming
Test 3 : Day 1 : Test 3 : Day 2 :
Lab Program 8 : Swap, parameters & poorly-worded Specifications due: |
Option : Quantum Computing - research into learning about QC
Test 3 - Day/Part 1
Lab Assignment Program 10 : Quick and/or Merge Sorting, O(NlogN) |
Content : Standard Algorithms - Introduction to Sorting
|
1414-18Nov |
Lab Program 9 : Sorting O(n^2) due: |
Handout on selecting appropriate Algorithm for given scenarious |
Content : Standard Algorithms - Sorting & Trees Optional Case Study Ch 3 - GridWorld |
1520-24Nov
22-24Nov Thanksgiving Break |
Lab Program 10 : Sorting O(NlogN) due: |
Schoology : Sorting Scenario Quiz/Worksheet
Handout: Sample Test Questions |
Program Analysis - Time-Space Analysis (Big-Oh and "N") for sorting algorithms
|
1627Nov-1Dec |
Exemplar UML Diagrams |
Lab Assignment : Program 11 - Exemplar Picture Lab : write the following in PictureTester :
Read Student Handout on Steganography Lab [Schoology] |
Content : Standard Algorithms - Sorting & Trees
|
174-8Dec |
Lab Program 11 : Exemplar-PictureLab due: |
Optional Program Lab Assignment 12 - Exemplar Steganography Lab : modify the following in Steganography :
|
Content : Standard Algorithms - Sorting Advanced (HeapSort, Radix) Content : Standard Data Structures - Introduction Handout: Free Response question on the Exemplar Labs to be tested 1st day of 2nd semester |
1811-15Dec |
Optional Lab Program 12 : Exemplar--Steganography due:
Test 4 : Day 1 : Test 4 : Day 2 : |
Test 4 - Day/Part 1
If you finish early, you can start completing CodingBat.com problems, If you complete a 5,10, or 25-star badge, you may receive bonus points for the course but only if you share & save in your Account Settings fields:
|
Review of Syntax and Algorithms |
1918-20Dec
21Dec-2Jan : Christmas Break |
End of Semester |
Final Exam [AP Classroom]
|
Note: AP Exams are 90min for 4 FRQ and 90min for 40 MCQ |
Week |
Dates & Specifications |
Assignment / Assessment |
Syllabus & Topics |
1 3-5Jan
2Jan: Christmas Break 3Jan : Teacher Institute Day |
Program 10/11 already completed 1st Semester |
1st Day back - DONE : Program Lab Assignment 11 - Exemplar Lab
Handout: Interfaces for LinkedLists (Stack, Queue, ListQueue)
|
see handout from week 17 of 1st Semester regarding CaseStudy, Exemplar Labs, and/or Free Response Questions from previous years. Visualizations of Algorithms and Data Structures Content : Lecture: Standard Data Structures
|
2 8-12Jan |
Practice Quiz (Completion) on AP Classroom (i.e. myAP.collegeboard.org) |
Lab Assignment : Program 13 : Stack & Queue Problems & Testing |
Content : Lecture: Standard Data Structures -Linked Lists & Trees
|
3 15-29Jan
15Jan, Mon : MLK Day |
Lab Program 12 : Linked Lists due:
Quiz 1: on Schoology
Lab Program 13 Stacks & Queues due:
|
Quiz 1 (MC & FR) - String Manipulation (similar to Magpie Exemplar Lab)
Lab Assignment : Program 14 : Map and Word Frequency application |
Content : Lecture: Standard Data Structures - BSTrees
|
4 22-26Jan |
Lab Program 14 : Map & Word Frequency due: |
Lab Assignment : Program 15 : Searching, Iteration, Inserting in BSTrees |
Content : Lecture: Standard Data Structures - Operations on Trees
|
5 29Jan-2Feb |
Test 5 : |
Test 5a (Linked List)
Handout: selecting Data Structure & JFC for Models
|
Content : Lecture: Standard Data Structures - Operations on Trees
Content : Lecture: Standard Data Structures - Other, Java Collections Framework (JFC)
|
6 6-10Feb |
Lab Program 15 due: |
Optional Lab Assignment : Program 16 : Deleting in a BSTree
Handout: selecting Maps & Sets for Models
|
Practice for University of Evansville Computer Science Competition (if needed)
Program Analysis
|
7 12-16Feb
16Feb, Mon: No School |
RED text is from AP Classroom
Optional Lab Program 16 [handwritten prior to programming] due: |
Lab Assignment : Program 17 : Sets & Maps
AP Classroom : Question Bank Quizzes (2)
|
|
8 19-23Feb
19Feb, Mon: President's Day |
Test 6 : |
AP Classroom : Question Bank Quizzes (5)
Test 6 - Day 1 (Trees) |
|
9 26Feb-1Mar |
Lab Program 17 : Sets & Maps due: |
Optional Lab Assignment : Program 18 : Small Challenge Program |
Mini-Lecture Series |
10 4-8Mar |
End of 3rd Qtr |
Optional Lab Assignment : Program 18 alternate : Exemplar Labs OR Gridworld Extreme (paired) Programming in class |
Week |
Dates & Specifications |
Assignment / Assessment |
Syllabus & Topics |
MOCK Exams should be scheduled during IL State Testing (SAT) | |||
11 11-15Mar |
Optional Lab Program 18 : Small Challenges or Gridworld due: |
Lab Assignment : Program 19 : Heaps
Content : Lecture: Data Storage - binary representations Worksheet : Data Storage and Binary Representations
Types of Numeric Errors
|
|
12 18-22Mar |
Lab Program 19 : Heaps due: |
:Handout: Exam Preparation Scoring Sheet using the Workbook
Quiz - Binary Data Storage [Schoology] |
|
25Mar-1Apr |
|
No school - Spring Break |
|
13 1-5Apr
1Apr, Mon: Spring Break |
Advanced Placement Exam Preparation
|
AP Classroom : Question Bank Quizzes (5)
|
|
14 8-12Apr |
Advanced Placement Exam Preparation
|
AP Classroom : Progress Checks : Units 1-3Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A (15 problems) Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B (12 problems)
Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A (15 problems) Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B (12 problems)
Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ (21 problems) AP Classroom : Progress Checks : Units 4-6 & CodingBatThe online free response questions on www.codingbat.com should be:
Unit 4 Progress Check: MCQ (18 problems) CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > scoresClump
Unit 5 Progress Check: MCQ Part A (15 problems) Unit 5 Progress Check: MCQ Part B (12 problems) CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > scoresAverage
Unit 6 Progress Check: MCQ (14 problems) CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > wordsFront |
|
15 15-19Apr |
Advanced Placement Exam Preparation
|
AP Classroom : Progress Checks : Units 7-8 & CodingBatThe online free response questions on www.codingbat.com should be:
Unit 7 Progress Check: MCQ (18 problems) Unit 8 Progress Check: MCQ (10 problems)
CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > hasOne CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > dividesSelf AP Classroom : Progress Checks : Units 9-10The online free response questions on www.codingbat.com should be:
Unit 9 Progress Check: MCQ (18 problems) CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > copyEvens
Unit 10 Progress Check: MCQ (12 problems) CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > scoreUp
CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > mergeTwo CodingBat : https://codingbat.com/java AP-1 > commonTwo |
|
16 22-26Apr |
Advanced Placement Exam Preparation
|
In-class Practice Exam-Mon: Test 7 - Day 1 Released Exam : MC 1-20 Tue: Test 7 - Day 2 Released Exam : MC 21-40 Wed: Test 7 - Day 3 Released Exam : FR 1-2 Thur: Test 7 - Day 4 Released Exam : FR 3-4 Test 7 - Day 5 Scoring & Rubrics Mock AP Exam |
|
17 29Apr-3May |
Advanced Placement Exam Preparation
|
CodingBat Summary
2024 AP Exams (Weeks 1 & 2):
|
|
18 6-10May |
May : Yearbook Signing Day |
Final Exams for Seniors |
|
19 13-17May |
|
Special Topics in Computer Science
May : last day for seniors |
|
20 20-24May
24May : 1/2 day teacher Institute |
|
Final Exams for non-Seniors May : last day for non-Seniors |
|
21 27-31May
29May, Mon : Memorial Day
Mon, 1June : last day if all 5 snow days used |
|
Final Exam [AP Classroom]
|
AP CSA Course Overview : Syllabus, Curricular Alignment, Policies, & Practices
Schedules : Day-based & Week-based
-
Monday - Tuesday & Thursday - Friday
Day-based schedule : 54-minute class periods
Wednesday (PLC day)
Day-based schedule : 44-minute class periods
-
7:15 - 8:15am : Trigonometry / PreCalculus [6 minutes for announcements if in-school]
-
8:21 - 9:15am : Java & Honors Java Programming / AP CSP
-
9:21 - 10:15am : AP CSA
-
10:15 - 10:45am : A Lunch
10:51 - 11:45am : Prep
-
11:51 - 12:45pm : Trigonometry / PreCalculus
-
12:51 - 1:45pm : Java & Honors Java Programming
-
1:50 - 2:40pm : Office Hours in A314 Mon, Tue, Fri
-
7:15 - 8:05am : Trigonometry / PreCalculus [6 minutes for announcements if in-school]
-
8:11 - 8:55am : Java & Honors Java Programming / AP CSP
-
9:01 - 9:45am : AP CSA
-
9:51 - 10:35am : Prep
-
10:35 - 11:05am : Lunch
11:11 - 11:55am : Trigonometry / PreCalculus
-
12:01 - 12:45pm : Java & Honors Java
-
12:45 - 2:40pm : PLC for Teachers (no office hours)
-
-
Week-based schedule (if needed):
-
Option 2: Hybrid Learning : 2-3 days per week : one (or two) in-person meetings (i.e. "A" and "B" Days) and
1 day remote.
-
Option 3 : Remote Learning : 3-5 days per week from home
TextBook & Resources :
-
Data Structures & Problem Solving using Java, 2nd Ed., Mark Alan Weiss CR1
-
The classroom has desktop computers for each student and internet access. In addtion, students must bring their school-issued laptop fully charged each day..
-
Critical Student Skills for success in AP CSA :
-
Student integrity and honesty is a must. Understanding the consequences--both short-term and long-terrm--of student choices has impacts both on the student themself as well as society as a whole.
-
While a book may be assigned, excellent note-taking is expected. The notes are published both in Schoology and and Mr. Meinzen's website (www.meinzeit.com)
-
The ability to ask "clarifying" questions is a critical skill in this class. The teacher's "answer" depends greatly on how you phrase your question. Two students who ask similar questions may receive completely different responses due to the precise nature of computer languages.
-
Another critical skill is the ability to work and communicate ideas/concepts with other students and your teacher. Many assignments will require teamwork in order to accomplish an assignment.
-
Policy : Grading
-
Assessments : scores & grades
-
2 types of assessments will be given in this course : non-graded formative scores (i.e. completion points, pass/fail points) and graded summative (i.e. test) scores.
-
Formative or "completion" scores are NOT graded and are designed to help students and parents keep track of progress and "effort" by the student within the targeted time period. These scores are either all-or-nothing scores and include homework assignments, completion points of an online quiz, or turning in a program by the due date. Students will be provided the answers (after the due date or completion of formative assessment) to help identify any mistakes by the student for future summative assessments (i.e. tests). While formative scores may be used for Pass/Fail (i.e. all or nothing points) of a course, they are explicitely not useful for determining a student's level of understanding of course content or mastery as students may be given help/answers prior to completing (i.e. they are not for grades that are useful for "levels" of understanding).
-
Summative (i.e. test) scores are designed to identify what skills and content knowledge have been mastered up to that point in the students progression through the course. Solutions to the summative assesments are usually NOT provided as the scores are NOT designed for student improvement of content understanding. These scores will be the primary determination of grades beyond pass/fail or "D" and are appropriate for comparision between peer groups (peer groups may be in the same class, course, school, state, country, or world-wide).
-
-
- Semester Scores are calculated using the following table:
-
Semester Score Component
Semester Score Weight
1st & 2nd Quarter Progress Scores
80%
Semester Final Exam
20%
-
Assessment Categories
Approximate Weights
Lab Assignments (i.e. Programs)
50%
Tests (& Quizzes)
50%
1 Day Late: (doubles every day thereafter)
-5%
-
Grades will be calculated on a total point basis.
-
Grades will primarily be based on individual ability, understanding, and accomplishment.
-
Percentage Scale Grade Letter 100% - 88%
A
87.99% - 76%
B
75.99% - 64%
C
63.99% - 52%
D
51.99% - 1%
F
0.99% - 0%
Incomplete
- Grading of programs will consist of
two parts:
- Program Logic -- does the program work?
- Program Style -- does the program follow the "Program Expectations"?
Program Expectations:
- Before writing your programs, create and show Mr. M your design.
- Comment appropriately.
- All comments must be complete, grammatically correct sentences.
- see the JavaDoc Conventions for details.
- All non-local identifiers (i.e. fields variable, classes, and methods) must be meaningful and may NOT be abbreviated.
- Examples: side, hypotenuse, Deck, getName()
- Not: sd, hyp, Dck or getN().
- Indent the program consistently.
- There may be other Program Expectations at various times throughout the course.
Policy & Practices : Student & Teacher Responsibilities
- In Seat & Ready to Go when bell stops (i.e. books, sharpened pencils, paper)
- Respectful of Teacher and Each Other (i.e. raise your hand, don't talk while teacher is talking, no rudeness or bad language, etc.)
- The two most important ingredients for success in this class are practice and attendance.
- No eating or drinking in class, 2 bathroom/drinking trips per Semester.
- Maintain at least 3 backup copies of all work. A "lost" or "destroyed" program will receive zero credit.
- Remember that, for every hour spent in class, 2 hours of outside class work (homework/projects) are typical for an AP course (i.e. 5 hours in class per week + 10 hours at home)
Responsibilities while absent:
Notes and Homework |
Test and Quizzes |
Get notes from a peer or online. Read the section and look at examples. Get the assignment from the calendar, web page or a peer in class. Do the assignment, even if you need help come in before or after school for assistance! |
As per school policy you have the same amount of days as you were absent to make up missing test/quizzes. Any test/quiz not made up in the appropriate amount of time will be a zero. You may need to schedule time with Mr. Meinzen either before or after school to meet or receive appropriate help on a timely basis...plan accordingly! |
Policy : BYOD
- A student-issued computer is provided for students for this course.
These computers run the following software (see Resources
tab for details):
- Microsoft Windows 7 (Pro)
- Java SDK (version 1. 8 also called Version 8)
- Eclipse (Oxygen)
- While students may use--and are encouraged to use--their own computer to complete assignments at home, there are specific devices that may not be compatible with the software.
- A general rule of thumb is to see if the device comes with a keyboard and mouse...if not, then usually the device cannot be used in the course. For example: MacBooks will work but iPads will not. Please see your teacher if you have specific questions about your device.
- Phones and/or uncovered cameras are, generally, NOT allowed because they are rarely appropriate in the classroom except in teacher-approved circumstances.
- Example 1 : Students who intentionally or unintentionally compromise the privacy of any other student or compromise academic integrity or validity of a test or quiz by their behavior may expect a zero and, possibly, a referal for further consequences. This includes having a personal camera (i.e. smartphone/BYOD device) out while ANY assessment is in the classroom (not just their own assessment).
- Example 2 : A student who turns in their test and then takes out their smartphone (i.e. camera)for their own reason (i.e. listen to music) while other students are still working on their tests may expect to receive a zero on their test. As well, a student taking pictures of teacher's notes on the board--without teacher approval--will not likely retain/learn of concepts and may be invading the privacy of other students (white boards are highly reflective). Generally, if the teacher is taking the time to hand-write notes on the board, then students should put in the effort to copy the notes.
- Example 3 : A teacher-approved manner may occur if a course-appropriate website is blocked but is accessible via cell phone (i.e. cell tower versus wifi), the teacher may allow temporary access to that website to complete assignment.
- Example 4 : A student may have an identified disability that requires them to take pictures of the board in order to expand the image to very large size due to their visual disability.
Practices : Tardies and Absences
- Attendance is the responsibility of the student and their parents/guardian.
- Parents/Guardian may be contacted the next day via phone or email to inform them of any absences or student issues.
- First two tardies result in warnings, 3rd tardy is after school detention, 4th is Saturday detention, subsequent are suspensions.
- Subject to changes in school policy, if you have an excused absence, you will be allowed to make up your work for full credit by the same number of days you were consecutively absent.
- Unexcused absences follow the same procedure as excused absence; however, you will only receive 50% of the grade you earn.
- Refer to the school attendance policy for complete details on excused and unexcused absences and make-up work.
- There will be ONE expected in-school field trip in April to complete an AP "Mock Exam" in preparation for the actual AP Exam as well as the 2nd Semester Final Exam. This field trip is required and the "Mock Exam" will be scored as part of the course grade regardless of the student actually taking the AP Exam or not.
Practices : Teacher Discipline
- I expect students to be respectful to each other and their teacher. Refer to the student handbook if you have questions.
- Students are expected to take notes, ask questions, and work consistently and continuously the entire class period.
- If problems occur in the class the discipline plan, in general, is:
- Verbal warning (may include "1 minute after class delayed dismissal" or "15 minute after school mini-detention")
- After school detention
- Referral to the dean
- Parents called or e-mailed
- any student caught downloading and installing a program on the computers without Mr. Meinzen's consent will receive a referral to the administration and possible 5-day suspension
Curricular Alignment with College Board's Course and Exam Description (CED) for AP CSP
Student Practice
-
Students in the course will exceed the 20 hour in-class programming requirement before the end of the first semester CR9. in addtion to writing dozens of programs throughout the year, students will complete a larger programming project by the end of each semester.
-
Besides programming practice within the classroom, students will have access to Topic Questions and Personal Progress checks via the AP Classroom to identify the content and skills mastered or that need additional practice. These formative assessments may be used by the student to track their own progress thorughout the course prior to summative assessments given throughout the course or at the end of the course as a final review prior to summative assessments in class (i.e. Final Exams) or the AP Exam.
Course Outline
-
In this outline CR2, the CED Unit and Skills designations are aligned with my assignments that are organized in two ways: 1) labs completed in a sequence that spiral to make up parts of a larger project within each quarter; and 2) individual assignments that included smaller programms & worksheets that emphasize specific topics or skills that need to be emphasized, scaffolded, or differentiated.
Topic |
Suggested Skills |
SelectedAssignments & Programming Labs |
1.1 Why Programming? Why Java? |
2.B, 4.B |
|
1.2 Variables and Data Types |
1.A, 1.B |
*Program Lab Assignment 2 Phase 1 - Point class and curve classes - introducing arrays of Points |
1.3 Expressions andAssignment Statements |
1.B, 2.A |
|
1.4 Compound Assignment Operators |
2.B, 5.A |
|
1.5 Casting and Ranges of Variables |
2.B, 5.B |
|
2.1 Objects–Instances of Classes |
5.A |
|
2.2 Creating and StoringObjects (Instantiation) |
1.C, 3.A |
|
2.3 Calling a Void Method |
1.C, 3.A |
|
2.4 Calling a Void Method with Parameters |
2.C, 3.A |
|
2.5 Calling a Non-void Method |
1.C, 3.A |
|
2.6 String Objects: Concatenation, Literals, and More |
2.A |
Program Lab Assignment 5 - String manipulation |
2.7 String Methods |
2.C, 3.A |
|
2.8 Wrapper Classes: Integer and Double |
2.C |
|
2.9 Using the Math Class |
1.B, 3.A |
*Program Lab Assignment 6 - Intro to Analysis - Linear & Binary Search, GCF, LCM |
3.1 Boolean Expressions |
2.A |
|
3.2 if Statements and Control Flow |
2.B, 3.C |
|
3.3 if-else Statements |
3.C, 4.A |
|
3.4 else if Statements |
3.C, 4.C |
|
3.5 Compound Boolean Expressions |
2.B, 3.C |
|
3.6 Equivalent Boolean Expressions |
4.C |
|
3.7 Comparing Objects |
2.C, 3.A |
|
4.1 while Loops |
1.B, 2.B, 3.C |
|
4.2 for Loops |
3.C, 4.C, 5.C |
|
4.3 Developing Algorithms Using Strings |
2.C, 3.C |
|
4.4 Nested Iteration |
1.B, 3.C, 5.C |
|
4.5 Informal Code Analysis |
2.D |
Program Lab Assignment 8 - Sorting: O(n^2) with InsertionSort, SelectionSort, BubbleSort |
5.1 Anatomy of a Class |
1.A, 1.B |
|
5.2 Constructors |
1.C, 3.B |
|
5.3 Documentation with Comments |
5.D |
|
5.4 Accessor Methods |
3.B, 5.B |
|
5.5 Mutator Methods |
3.B, 4.B |
|
5.6 Writing Methods |
1.B, 3.B |
|
5.7 Static Variables and Methods |
3.B, 5.A |
|
5.8 Scope and Access |
3.B, 5.B |
|
5.9 this Keyword |
2.C |
|
5.10 Ethical and Social Implications of Computing Systems |
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6.1 Array Creation and Access |
1.C, 3.D |
*Program Lab Assignment 3 Phase 2 - Abstract Curves, ArrayLists, and Sorting |
6.2 Traversing Arrays |
2.B, 3.D, 4.B |
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6.3 Enhanced for Loop for Arrays |
3.D, 4.C |
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6.4 Developing AlgorithmsUsing Arrays |
1.B, 3.D, 5.D |
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7.1 Introduction to ArrayList |
1.B, 3.D |
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7.2 ArrayList Methods |
2.C, 3.D |
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7.3 Traversing ArrayLists |
2.C, 3.D |
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7.4 Developing AlgorithmsUsing ArrayLists |
3.D, 4.A |
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7.5 Searching |
3.D, 5.C |
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7.6 Sorting |
2.D |
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7.7 Ethical Issues Around Data Collection |
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8.1 2D Arrays |
1.B, 1.C, 3.E |
*Program Lab Assignment 10 - College Board's Exemplar Lab : Picture Lab |
8.2 Traversing 2D Arrays |
2.B, 2.D, 3.E, 4.A |
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9.1 Creating Superclasses and Subclasses |
1.A, 3.B |
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9.2 Writing Constructors for Subclasses |
3.B, 5.A |
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9.3 Overriding Methods |
3.B, 5.D |
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9.4 super Keyword |
1.C, 3.B |
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9.5 Creating References Using Inheritance Hierarchies |
3.A, 5.B |
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9.6 Polymorphism |
3.A, 5.B |
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9.7 Object Superclass |
1.C, 3.B |
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10.1 Recursion |
1.B, 5.A |
Program Lab Assignment 9 - Quick and/or Merge Sorting, O(NlogN) |
10.2 Recursive Searching and Sorting |
2.C, 2.D |
Select Assignment Descriptions
- [CTP1] [CTP5] Lab Assignments 2 (Point & Curve classes) and 3 (Abstracts & Sorting) listed below are 2 parts of a 4-part sequentially phased project based on Economics. The project takes students through the development process CR4 [Skill 1.A, 1.B, 1.C] of a simulation of the negotiations of a Consumer and Producer in order to illustrate how an Equilibrium Point can achieved in a Market environment. Explicit comments are required for every class written by students to describe and explain the behavior of each class and method in terms of the overall simulation project. JavaDoc comments are required to include pre- and post-conditions and any limitations on domains (ex. quantities must be positive) CR8 [Skills 5.A, 5.B, 5.C, 5.D].
- [VAR and MOD] [CTP1] [CTP3] [CTP4] CR3 In *Program Lab Assignment 2 Phase 1 - Point class CR9, students write and implement code in order to create a new Type (i.e. Point class) that has 2 fields (int quantity, double price) and corresponding accessor and mutator methods along with overloaded constructors and overridden equals() methods to test for boolean equality of 2 Point objects CR6 [Skills 3.A, 3.B]. A separate TestPoint class is designed and written to instantiate several Point objects and to use test-cases to validate (or identify errors of) each of the methods in the Point class CR4 [Skill 1.C] CR7 [Skills 4.A, 4.B, 4.C].
- [VAR and CON] [CTP1] [CTP2] [CTP3] [CTP4] CR3 In *Program Lab Assignment 2 Phase 1 - Two Curve classes CR9, students write, implement, and test code in order to create two classes, one with an array of Points and one with an ArrayList of Points CR4 [Skill 1.C]. Students will use various loop types (i.e. for, while, for each) to construct each curve of Points CR6 [Skills 3.A, 3.B, 3.C, 3.D] . Each Curve object requires a corresponding TestCurve class CR7 [Skills 4.A, 4.C] to be planned (prior to writing the Curve classes) and implemented to validate all code logic including out-of-bound conditions in loops and dealing with Exceptions CR5 [Skills 2.A, 2.B, 2.D] .
- [MOD and IOC] [CTP4] CR3 *Program Lab Assignment 3 Phase 2 - Abstract Curves, ArrayLists, and Sorting CR9 students re-design their Curve classes from Phase 1 to use more flexible designs including inheritance and applying more efficient coding practices and algorithms. Students will test other student's solutions without permission to see code implementations (i.e. using API's and interfaces). CR7 [Skill 4.A]. Discussions on safe and responsible computing include programmers/students maintaining privacy & security. Ethical issues are addressed including (but not limited to) "sharing" of code without authorization (i.e. by teacher) and permission (by fellow classmates) as well as consequences of programmer's misuse or mistakes (intentional or otherwise). Students will explain how they tested and varified classmate's code correctness or identified errors.
- [VAR and CON] [CTP2] CR3 *Program Lab Assignment 6 - Intro to Analysis - Linear & Binary Search, GCF, LCMCR9. After discussing arithmetic operations & corresponding Java operators, static variables, & methods, and prototyping of code, students will design and implement programs to do linear and binary searches on arrays of integers as well as finding the Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factors of 2 numbers. CR5 [Skills 2.A, 2.B, 2.C, 2.D]
- [VAR and CON] [CTP3] CR3 *Program Lab Assignment 10 - College Board's Exemplar Lab : Picture Lab CR9. In this assignment, students analyze a given coding project that illustrates the use of 2D arrays of Objects (i.e. Pixels in an image). Students design and implement additional methods to create, traverse, and manipulate the 2D arrays to have an intended effect (ex. flipp the image) CR6 [Skills 3.C, 3.E] .
Advice & Expectations
- Use mechanical pencils (have at least 2).
- Keep an organized notebook and a folder with all your assignments. Get two classmates’ phone numbers in case you need help.
- You will need to purchase a flash drive or other storage device for this class.
- Students must keep multiple backup copies of all work. It is the student's responsibility to be aware that technology is NOT perfect.
- If purchasing a disk/flashdrive is a problem, let me know
- WEBSITE for Assignments is http://www.meinzeit.com
- This class is a COLLEGE COURSE, it requires a great deal of self-discipline. It is easy to be social and not get work done. This is especially true in the first quarter when things seem easiest WARNING! If you do not keep up, you will fall behind and NEVER catch up.
What can I expect from the teacher ?
- You can expect the teacher to maintain a classroom atmosphere that is safe and conducive to the education of ALL students. Any student or group of students prevent or disrupt this will be discipline as outlined above.
- I will try to be available before and after school either in the classroom or in my office in Room 310 for extra help [unless a meeting is scheduled].
- I can be reached at EHS: jmeinzen@ecusd7.org or 656-7100.
- As well, I strongly encourage students and parents to contact me as soon as possible if there are any questions or difficulties.
- In general, I provide daily information on this website and I contact parents/guardians/students via the email address that is registered with the district. However, please let me know if you wish to be contacted by other means on this form. After you have read over this classroom policy, please sign below, and return to me to be put on file. This is your first assignment.
Survey Assignment
- What is your best learning environment (given the classroom we have)?
- What do you not want your teacher to do that would make you not want to learn this material?
- What learning/teaching style do you think is most effective for you?
- What resources do you use to best understand the concepts? (examples: textbook, teacher, family, after-school tutoring, specific website, etc.)?
- If you could start a realistic classroom tradition, what would it be? (example: every odd-numbered Friday is popcorn-during-lecture day)
Signature
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I prefer to be contacted via (circle preference): EMAIL, or PHONE, or OTHER (specify) Print Parent/Guardian Name Print Student Name Parent / Guardian Signature Date Student Signature Date email address home phone work/cell phone
Resources : Required for student use at remote site (i.e. home or laptop)
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Internet for submission of assignments and/or downloading of content (i.e. pdf files, online textbook, video recordings, etc.)
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Computer : laptop or desktop running MS Windows, Apple OSX, or Linux. Chromebooks or other browser-based operating systems will NOT be sufficient.
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Java : Eclipse Integrated Development Kit (IDK) at www.eclipse.org
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Private Websites with login credentials including username and password :
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Schoology : https://ecusd7.schoology.com : access to scheduled assignments specific to online scoring and/or grades
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AP Classroom : https://myap.collegeboard.org : access to AP course (need "join-code" from teacher) and assignments specific to online scoring
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Public Websites that contain "free" content :
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Teacher website : http://www.meinzeit.com : access to course syllabus, classroom policies, lecture notes & assignments for planning purposes.
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School / District website : http://www.ecusd7.org/ehs : access to school policies and general information
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College Board : https://apcentral.collegeboard.org : access to information specific to AP courses
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Other websites as needed (posted either on teacher website or Schoology) for viewing supplemental videos, lectures, examples, etc.
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General APCS Information
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www.apcentral.collegeboard.com - AP Exam Information & previous Free Response questions
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Model Curriculum from ACM & CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association)
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java.oracle.com - Oracle's website to download Java Programming Language (freeware)
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http://www.horstmann.com/gridworld/extending-gridworld.html - Modification of GridWorld for other Games
IDE's (editors)
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www.textpad.com - Textpad Editor (shareware)
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www.eclipse.org - Eclipse IDE (freeware)
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NotePad++ - text editor (freeware) with instructions to compile and run programs in Java
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www.netbeans.org - Netbeans IDE (freeware)
Competition Information
Practice and Problem-solving
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www.cs.princeton.edu/introcs/assignments/ - Interesting assignments using Java & Computer Science
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nifty.stanford.edu/ - Nifty assignments from the last several years
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www.javabat.com - Practice in Java & Computer Science...fun & challenging
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Project Euler - Progressively more difficult Math Problems that can be solved via Programming
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WYSE - Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, practice tests for username: coach (kR5Ensin)